Parents' Guide to

The Great Gatsby

By Barbara Schultz, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

American classic captures romance, debauchery of Jazz Age.

The Great Gatsby Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

age 13+

Based on 11 parent reviews

age 14+

Little people living lives too larger for them

Richly detailed look at America's Jazz Age. Overview about how shallow living such a privileged life affected the characters in different ways. Fitzgerald's writing is smooth and evocative but his characters are poorly realized. His outlook on women is especially bitter. The characters can only see their own lives as worth paying attention to.

This title has:

Educational value
Too much consumerism
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
1 person found this helpful.
age 12+
Fitzgerald's novel explores the struggle between new and old money. The way this theme is presented in the book is tasteful and age appropriate. While some of the symbolism may go over children's heads, I think that the themes are apparent enough to be understood.

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (11 ):
Kids say (72 ):

THE GREAT GATSBY is a magnificent novel on every level. Fitzgerald writes about the Jazz Age in language that beautifully evokes music. He writes about a hot day in a way that almost makes you sweat. His characters are well-drawn, and the plot is engaging and fast-paced. Though this novel is possibly best appreciated by college-level readers, advanced high school students will find a lot to enjoy and discuss.

Book Details

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